Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Salt Lake City is 33% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,343/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 8%
$74,925/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 17%
$495,700 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 50%
$1,394/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 6%
203,888
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $13,101/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Joliet — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Joliet?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Joliet?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $13,101/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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